Red Rock Ranger District to analyze comments, consider modifications to proposed trail enhancements1 min read

Sedona Red Rock High School sophomore Brent Buntin, 15, tightens the Bell Rock Trail sign near the new trailhead Wednesday, July 14, near the Village of Oak Creek on the Coconino National Forest. The nine-person Youth Conservation Corps team worked three weeks on the new trail removing brush, building fences and erecting signs for the trail, which now leads more directly to Bell Rock.
Tom Hood/Larson Newspapers

The public comment period for the Red Rock Trails Access Plan, scheduled through December 20, has ended. The Coconino National Forest would like to thank the public for its enthusiastic response and to inform interested parties of anticipated next steps. 

Hundreds of comments were received, the majority of which focused on the proposed Turkey Creek Trail System. Forest staff will analyze these comments, the effects of the project, and consider modifications to the proposal.

Red Rock District Ranger Amy Tinderholt highlighted that “public comment periods are an important tool for understanding issues or concerns that staff may not have been aware of during proposal development. This comment period did just that, raising several issues that could change the proposal which I’m optimistic will lead to a better decision and project.” 

Once the proposal has been modified, the Forest is committed to a second comment period for the Turkey Creek Trails project, expected to take place in late winter or spring 2024. This second comment period may or may not include other trail proposals that were in the initial proposal, like the Doe Mountain Trail and trails adjacent to Oak Creek School.

Forest staff will review comments on all trail proposals and, while changes may be made to address key issues, a decision may be made to move forward with projects outside the Turkey Creek Trail System without a second comment period.
For more information on the project, please visit the Red Rock Trails Access Plan project page online.

Staff Writer

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